Raise the bar
for a jump less high
is not a source of pride.
It is true that I shall not clear,
for my best has never been good enough.
And the miss will be met with spectator's pity.
And pity is the saltiest of tears.
A lesser jump cleared would
bring applause.
But what merit would it be
when the bar is too low.
So raise the bar higher
and perhaps the gods will smile
as I will sail
over a record height.
Then I will feast on the hero's reward
and my best will be good enough.
No disguises, just the naked me.
Here I present myself as I really am.
It is true I shall fail,
for my best is never been good enough.
And my reality may well lose you
and that will evoke pity.
And the pity is a great price to bear
for the risk of being without
the armor of guile in the lists.
A lesser conquest would
perhaps bring comfort.
But what merit would it be to win in costume
only to see myself after the opera?
So, view me as I am and perhaps the gods
will make me seem strong
in my raw form.
Then I will feast on a hero's reward
and my best
will be good enough.
The reward of winning is much desired,
but the trophy cup
can not be tarnished
by a contrived strategy.
I can not threaten, plead, demand
or bargain.
No patch of romance over the
right eye.
No mysterious disappearances,
just sunshine and clouds.
So raise the bar higher
and I shall continue
to jump for the moon.
Perhaps, when my best
is not good enough
it will bring understanding
that there was a man unafraid
of the great risk of loving.